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Buzzing into Summer with Kwik Kill Pest Control: The Sassy Yellow Jackets and Bold Bald-Faced Hornets of Madison, Wisconsin!

July, 10, 2023 | Written by Kwik Kill

Buzzing into Summer with Kwik Kill Pest Control: The Sassy Yellow Jackets and Bold Bald-Faced Hornets of Madison, Wisconsin!

Hey there, adventurous folks! Summer is upon us, and you know what that means in the Madison, Wisconsin area- it’s time for the buzzing brigade of yellow jackets and bald-faced hornets to show off their stripes! These flying fiends may seem like party crashers at your picnics, but fear not; let’s dive into their world and learn how to handle these stinging sensations like true champs!

The Bold and the Beautiful: A Closer Look at our Winged Neighbors

Picture this: you’re chilling under the sun, sipping a lemonade, and here comes the yellow jacket, dressed to impress! These little fashionistas measure about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch long, and they rock a vibrant yellow and black ensemble – think Beyoncé of the insect world! Don’t be fooled by their sweet looks; they mean business when it comes to their nests. Their wings are like little helicopters, zipping around at up to 17 miles per hour – talk about some speedy flyers!

Now, let’s meet their equally stunning cousins, the bald-faced hornets. These fierce critters might make you think they’ve gone platinum with their white markings, but don’t be fooled by the name; they’re black and white and round all over. Slightly larger than their yellow jacket relatives, they can measure up to 3/4 inch to 1 inch in length, and boy, do they love to build their nests in prominent places!

The Nesting Drama: Where Do They Hang Out?

If you thought reality TV had drama, wait until you see the nesting habits of these buzzing superstars! Yellow jackets are the true social butterflies; they love to nest in the ground, building their intricate homes in abandoned burrows or digging their own deluxe dwellings. You might accidentally stumble upon their underground hideouts while mowing the lawn or going for a hike – talk about an unwelcome surprise!

On the other hand, bald-faced hornets prefer to set up their flashy nests at higher altitudes, often in trees, bushes, or even on the side of your house! These papery palaces are the talk of the town, with some reaching the size of a basketball by the end of the summer. It’s like they’re saying, “Look at us, we’re the kings and queens of the sky!”

Ouch! I’ve Been Stung! What Do I Do?

Uh-oh! So, you’ve had an unfortunate encounter with these feisty flyers. First things first, remain calm. Panicking is not on-trend this summer! Remove yourself from the area to avoid any more stings and find a safe spot to take a closer look at the damage.

If the stinger is still hanging around, don’t try to pluck it with your fingers. That’ll only make it worse! Instead, use a credit card or the edge of a knife to gently scrape it off. Remember, be gentle – we’re not entering a cutting-edge fashion show here!

After stinger removal, wash the affected area with soap and water, and then ice it up with a cool pack wrapped in a cloth. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease the discomfort, but don’t overdo it, okay?

Oh No! How Do I Get Rid of All These Nests?

Hey there, buzzing with curiosity about nest removal, huh? Don’t worry, Kwik Kill Pest Control is here to save the day! We’ve got the skills and experience to handle those pesky yellow jackets and bald-faced hornet nests like nobody’s business. Say goodbye to the uninvited guests and hello to a sting-free summer! Give us a call at 608-228-8899.

Interesting Facts for Your Next Buzzworthy Chat:

Yellow jackets are not just party animals; they’re skilled hunters too! They chow down on other insects like caterpillars and spiders, which helps keep the insect population in check. Talk about a balanced ecosystem!

Bald-faced hornets are not your typical hornets; they’re members of the yellow jacket family. Think of them as the edgy, punk rock siblings of the yellow jacket world!

Both yellow jackets and bald-faced hornets are most active during the day. Apparently, they’re all about soaking up the sun while they work hard to maintain their nests – multitasking masters!

The nests of bald-faced hornets have only one entrance, making them excellent architects and security enthusiasts. They guard their homes fiercely and are not afraid to use their stingers to protect their royal abodes.

Check out these websites for more information on pests and how to Identify them!

https://ag.purdue.edu/department/entm/

https://entomology.wisc.edu/